Experimenting with my migraines

I get migraine headaches regularly, and while I take a specific drug to manage them, I’m constantly frustrated by my inability to find a lasting solution.

I had fallen into a pattern of dealing with my migraines as though I knew the problem, that being overtired or stressed were the causes. I would try everything to fix the causes, while using the drugs as necessary.

The problem was that no matter how much I slept more, rested my neck, using relaxation and meditation techniques, it made no difference overall to the frequency of headaches.

My toolkit was exhausted. I didn’t know what to do.

So when I recently saw an on-line Migraine Summit advertised, I thought why not see if it can help me with some new ideas.

As I watched a series of webcasts from doctors around the world, something clicked for me. Migraines are really really complex, and my ’cause and effect’ thinking, and single solution focus was not helping. I realised that perhaps I needed to let go of my belief that I was in control of what was going on, and that I needed to think and do differently.

So rather than having an answer, I’m taking a different approach. Rather than apply my ‘solution’ I have set a goal – fewer migraines and fewer drugs – and just try things to see if they get me closer to that goal.

My experiments so far have included tackling mild sleep apnoea, looking at pillow height, diet and hydration, the sequence and type of daily activities, computer usage at night, and sleeping comfort.

And a key in helping me check progress is not a plan forward, but a daily journal of activity, results and learnings from the experiments I am undertaking.

I’m more accepting now that I can’t know the answer, and I don’t even fully understand the problem, but I’m more confident than before that I’m making real progress towards my goal.

So key realisations for me have been:

recognising the complexity of my situation

accepting there is a lot I can’t know about this, and I will probably never know the “answer”

acknowledging that I need to try different things,

finding ways to keep track of what helps and what doesn’t

and keep trying….

and I feel a lot better about my slightly less sore head!

Twyfords' training and coaching programs build your collaborative muscles while you work. Contact us to find out how we can work with you.

Want to read more like this? Subscribe to our newsletter today

Author

John Dengate

John combines his engineering training with a deep insight into the social and cultural drivers of teams to deliver a unique and valued coaching style in building your capability.